The Iraqi regime is a serious and growing threat to peace. On
the commands of a dictator, the regime is armed with biological and
chemical weapons, possesses ballistic missiles, promotes international
terror and seeks nuclear weapons.

Every nation that shares in the
benefits of peace also shares in the duty of defending peace. The time
has come once again for the UN to live up to the purposes of its
founding to protect our common security.

For 11 years, the Iraqi
regime has become highly skilled in the techniques of deception and has
frustrated the work of international inspectors. The ploys and promises
of the Iraqi regime no longer matter. The regime is free to continue
saying whatever it chooses; its fate depends entirely on what it
actually does.

America has never sought to dominate or conquer,
but to liberate and free. Our desire is to help Iraqi citizens find the
blessings of liberty within their own culture and their own
traditions.

This nation will not live at the mercy of any foreign
power or plot. Confronting grave dangers is the surest path to peace
and security. This is the expectation of the American people, and the
decision of their elected representatives.
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